Beyond the Objectivity of Sexual Consent: Toward Rhetorical Expressions of Negotiation

<p>In this study, I inquire into the question: how do subjects negotiate sex, and find that the language of consent presupposes a capacity to speak about sex and a conception of intersubjectivity - the coming together of subjects - that is based on interpenetration (of both language and bodies). This study finds that consent follows from a classical model of consent theory - the work of John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau - that sustains and perpetuates a closed model of consensual talk; as well, this closed discourse limits the human capacity and potential for sexual expression, particularly in consent's presuppositions of intentionality that enact an Austinian model of communication. </p><p>From phenomenological, feminist, and political perspectives, I demonstrate how we can begin to move beyond this closed model of talk by rethinking intentionality as that which is manifested through our engagements with others. I open up a space for thinking about sexual consent as sexual negotiation - the rhetorical expressions that come into being (or do not come into being) through relational - and sexual - engagements with others. This study finds that the ways in which subjects negotiate sexual play with other subjects may be part of a more open, ongoing, and indeterminate process that cannot be marked by the rationality and identification of a name. I attempt to move beyond a closed discourse of consent, to a more open theory of negotiation.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Campus Access Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

English Language and Literatures

Year

2010

Author dc:creator

• Brian, Larissa Amber

Contributors dc:contributor

• Erik Doxtader

• Arts and Humanities
• English Language and Literature

Statement dc:rights

• © 2010, Larissa Amber Brian

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholarcommons.sc.edu/etd/318

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholarcommons.sc.edu:etd-1319